Will Smith acts as a dating coach in the 2005 movie Hitch. Who, for a fee, helps men woo the women of their dreams. This service style of a coach is nothing new to the Realtor/Client relationship and it looks to be growing in popularity with consumers. So as a consumer how do you make sure that your unique needs are going to be served? What role will you play in the processes of searching for a home, negotiating the transaction, getting financing, or handle the transfer of ownership, etc.?
As Galen Ward of Seattle's Rain City Guide explains:
We are leaving the time of the agent-"leads"-consumer model in the real estate industry and we are entering the time of the agent-"coaches"-consumer model.
If your getting ready to sell or buy real estate - here are some things you should think about before taking the next step. Remember, a good coach will provide the client with the necessary support and structure needed to help realize the participants dreams.
- Define the Communication Performance: Make sure that an expected Turn Around time is understood. Ask great questions and explain your decision-making strategies.
- Define Team Strategies: Alerts of new homes on the market, Neighborhood and community information for properties you find on or off the MLS, Advice while working with transaction service partners (lenders, appraisers, lawyers, escrow, fees), Access to property walk-through times/lockbox access.
- Talk About Barriers to Performance: Set expected availability hours, Emergency contact availability
- Manage each others emotional state while working together - close to the purchase agreement you might start lacking sleep. Make sure to use respect in all situations.
- Mentor: Work with a Realtor that can lead or coach by experience.
A seasoned real estate professional might be the ever so valuable "wing" on your team to help catch the home or homebuyer that you're looking for!. Bonus: Teaching you how to do it yourself along the way ~!.
1 comment:
Hi Kyle,
I came across this from real estate voices, I am a REALTOR in TX. Your post is refreshing from all the bad press we REALTORS get, yes...there are bads ones and good ones, your points are well taken, we always like to do a consult with our customers to see if we are compatible, also, almost always the client will change their mind on criteria...and an agent must be prepared to change course, that is a time element. A Realtor must know the right questions to ask and know the neighborhood well. Finding a house is a full time job and most customers don't have the time or knowledge to do it properly, using an agent and trusted adviser will save you time and money along the way and you will become more experienced for the next time, the market is always changing.
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